The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating for low back strain with degenerative joint disease, as his flexion remained above 30 degrees throughout the appeal period. For TDIU, the combined rating of 60% from service-connected disabilities met the threshold criteria but the Veteran was deemed unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher disability rating for low back strain with degenerative joint disease as the flexion remained above 30 degrees throughout the appeal period. The combined rating of 60% from service-connected disabilities met the threshold criteria for TDIU, but the Veteran was deemed unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative joint disease, Right hip strain, Left hip strain, Right knee patellofemoral degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2018
- Citation
- 18102236
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18102236.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip strain is secondary to his service-connected left shin splint and bilateral knee disabilities. However, the opinion provided by the VA did not adequately address causation or aggravation of the right hip strain due to these conditions. The case is therefore being remanded for further analysis.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been received since the August 2020 rating decision, warranting readjudication of the previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine (also claimed as a neck condition), lumbosacral strain, left hip strain, right hip strain, and right knee strain.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right and left hip disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.
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